Real estate in Italy … the cities

Anyone considering buying real estate in Italy has first to divide where they want to live. No easy task — this most beautiful and sensuously pleasing of countries is remarkably diverse. Culturally it has resisted much of the homogenisation of cultures that many of us are used to. Travel from area to area in Italy and you will find distinct cuisines and local wines to complement them. You will find local customs and festivals. And you will find local dialects, many of them impenetrable to the best student of the Italian language (though don’t despair, as everybody speaks standard Italian too, and your attempts to join in will be gratefully appreciated).

Much of the geography of Italy can be grasped by learning about the cities. So ancient are some of them that their roots in history are long lost. Myth takes over, in the case of Rome we have a city founded by two brothers suckled by a she-wolf. And it’s a mistake to simply think of Italy as a sun-drenched Mediterranean paradise — though if that’s what you’re looking for we’ll be able to oblige. Italy is as much about the Alpine cities of Aosta, the metropolitan and businesslike Milan and the gently faded Austro-Hungarian charm of Trieste as it is about Rome or Naples.

The cities are also useful hubs for discovering the regions and towns which lie around, and will be a handy starting point for your search for a villa in Tuscany, Umbria, Campania, Sicily or wherever. We’ve tended to focus on the principal cities of each region, the regions being Piedmont, Tuscany, Lazio and so forth, though we’ve often mentioned more than one city in a particularly populous or interesting reason (so Tuscan cities Pisa, Lucca and Florence are all mentioned). We can’t mention every Italian town here … this should be treated as a starting point on your explorations for Italian real estate for sale. Cities are mentioned first, regions second: so Turin, Piedmont is the city of Turin in the region of Piedmont.

Buying real estate … cities of north-west Italy

Buying real estate in Aosta, Valle d’Aosta

Aosta, Valle d’Aosta: the principle town of the tiny Alpine region of Valle d’Aosta dates back to Roman times. The Empire founded this lovely mountain town in 25BC after they had completed their characteristically efficient and brutal crushing of an area and disposal of the local population. In this case, the indigenous tribe was auctioned off as slaves. Of the Roman military camp, little remains. Aosta is largely characterised today by buildings from medieval times. The top storeys of houses lean over to almost meet, while cobbled streets run below. Aosta is superbly positioned for skiers in winter and Alpine walkers in summer, being handy for the ski resorts around Mont Blanc and the spectacular valleys of the Parco Nazionale del Gran Paradiso. This is also a land of fairytale castles and Alpine lodges.

Buying real estate in Turin, Piedmont

Home to the Agnelli family and their rather humbled industrial giant Fiat, Turin is sometimes avoiding by outsiders who picture an Italian Pittsburgh or Coventry. Look beyond the industry and the smokestacks though. Real estate in Turin, is worth consideration. Friedrich Nietzsche was eloquent on its ‘aristocratic calm’ and lack of ‘nasty suburbs’. There are plenty of nasty suburbs now, to be fair, but at its hub it’s still an elegantly laid-out grid of Baroque palazzi, opulent churches, marvellous museums and galleries. It has top-flight soccer (depending on the vagaries of promotion and relegation) with Juventus and Torino, and a river (the Po) running through. Piedmont (Piemonte in Italian) has superb food and drink, and Turin has all the trappings of a civilised city … and there is some superb property for sale in Turin.

Buying real estate in Milan, Lombardy

To many northerners, Milan, Lombardy is the de facto capital of Italy. The country’s second-largest city has its own stock exchange, but is the national centre for petrochemicals, engineering, textiles, food, furniture, shoes and leather, manufacturing and engineering. There are many reasons to consider buying a home in Milan. It is the most populated part of this busy region, growing rich on finance and fashion, and with a fertile cultural life — La Scala and its opera. There is a buzzing café and restaurant society, good nightlife, marvellous shops and two of Italy’s top soccer teams in AC Milan and Internazionale (Inter Milan). Real estate in Milan can cost around €6000 per square metre when you get into the most fashionable parts of town.

Buying real estate in Genoa, Liguria

Genoa, Liguria was first settled by the ancient Ligurians in pre-Christian times. They came supposedly from Greece, with the Ligurian archetype today slight, olive skinned and black haired. Then came the Normans, Saracens, Lombards and Napoleon, to name but a few. Genoa emerged as a marvellous conflation of various languages, cuisines and architectural styles. Much faded during the 20th century, Genoa has had enormous investment in recent years. Since 1992, and the 500th anniversary of Columbus, a son of the city, the old port area has greatly improved. Now, a revived Genoa has something of Marseilles about it … fun, bustling, yet slightly less than respectable. Buying property in Genoa should prove a great investment for the future.

Buying real estate … cities of north-east Italy

Buying real estate in Bolzano, Alto Adige

The northern region of Trentino-Alto Adige is made up of two smaller regions. Bolzano (or Bozen), Alto Adige is a thriving town of some 100,000 people; the university was founded in 1997 and has made a welcome contribution to the economy and buzz of the town. Bolzano airport connects to Romes and Naples, though if you are buying real estate in Bolzano you may choose to drive down from central Europe. Bolzano lies at the top of the ancient Wine Road (Strada di Vino) and is renowned for white wines, best known for its Chardonnays. This ancient market town today has a thriving cafe and bar society and a pleasantly relaxed feel to it. You will pay from around €2000 per square metre for real estate in Bolzano. There are reasonably priced town centre apartments and some very pretty old houses.

Buying real estate in Trento, Trentino

Trento, Trentino is dramatically overshadowed by Monte Bondone, this Italian Renaissance town nestling within the mountains, and only three hours’ train ride from Venice. Not just a transport centre, Trento is the hub of Alpine valleys which radiate like spokes from the town. Hikers and skiiers should look carefully at real estate in Trento, with Cortina d’Ampezzo and Madonna di Campiglio two of the excellent ski resorts nearby.

Buying real estate in Venice, Veneto

Venice,Veneto (or La Serenissima to give it its nickname), is arguably the world’s most romantic city, and a remarkable construction. Indigenous tribes fled marauding invaders to hide in the Lagoon a millennium and a half ago. Within a few hundred years this settlement in a swamp had risen to become an impossibly elegant city, perched precariously above the waters below. More unlikely yet, Venice had become the greatest maritime and imperial power of the Middle Ages. Later Venice became a byword for style, luxury and ultimately decadence. Ravaged by plague, partially deserted during early modern times, and brutally sacked by Napoleon, it rose again in the 19th century, to become the fashionable spot on the Grand Tour. Too expensive to buy real estate in Venice? Think again. The city has depopulated dramatically since the 1950s, and by going a little off the main tourist routes you can find reasonably priced property in Venice.

Buying real estate in Bologna, Emilia-Romagna

The capital of Emilia-Romagna is Bologna. Sometimes it is dubbed‘Red Bologna’ as the centre of the political Left in Italy. Others call it ‘Bologna La Grassa’ (The Fat) because of its superb cuisine. Whatever, Bologna has a beautifully preserved medieval city centre and, compared to bustling Rome or Florence, is relatively empty of tourists though. You can buy real estate in Bologna at a fraction of the price of better-trod Italian towns. This lovely city has possibly the world’s best food market; superb buildings and architecture including the Neptune Fountain and the Church of San Petronio; big city buzz with a thriving university and intellectual life; great galleries and museums; terrific bars and cafes and a successful soccer team. What more could you ask?

Buying real estate in Trieste, Friuli-Venezia Giulia

Trieste, Friuli-Venezia Giuli, is the most north-easterly of Italian cities, and with a fascinating past. This is a crossroads: Mediterranean Italy meeting central Europe, and central Europe giving way to the Slavic East. Invaded from all sides — Trieste was battered by Romans, Huns, Cossacks, Goths, Lombards, Venice and the Nazis. The scene of bitter fighting during World War I, Yugoslavia and the Allies were still disputing Trieste in 1954. That’s why Trieste joins the rest of Italy via a narrow spit of coast, surrounded by Slovenia (the former Yugoslavia). The border wasn’t finally settled until 1975. Trieste is a fascinating mix of influences and cultures. Founded by the Habsburg dynasty, it’s an Austro-Hungarian city rather than an Italian one: art nouveau is a prevalent style here. Trieste is a reasonably priced option for those looking for up and coming Italy real estate.

Buying real estate … cities of central Italy

Buying real estate in Florence, Tuscany

The principal Tuscan city, Florence, Tuscany is the world’s richest treasury of Renaissance art and architecture. The dome of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore dominates the city and is as much Florence’s signature building as the Leaning Tower is to Pisa. Cross the Ponte Vecchio and visit the Boboli Gardens; enjoy the Uffizi Gallery with arguably the world’s greatest collection of Italian Renaissance art, or see Michelangelo’s famous statue of David at the Accademia di Belle Arti. You’ll also enjoy some of the best cuisine in Italy. Real estate in Florence isn’t cheap, but then this is the crucible of modern western art and civilisation … it wouldn’t be would it?

Buying real estate in Siena, Tuscany

The centre of the Chianti region, Siena, Tuscany has a fine 12th century Gothic and Romanesque Cathedral built in stunning black and white marble; one of the oldest universities in the world, founded in 1240; marvellous restaurants, cafes, bars and shops … And it has the Palio. Run twice each summer around the Campo(a scallop-shaped medieval piazza at the heart of the city) this bare-backed horse-race dates back to the 14th century and is one of the world’s great sporting events. Siena is a beautiful city: chic, hip yet relaxed. Buy real estate in Siena and you’ll be living in one of the world’s loveliest cities.

Buying real estate in Pisa, Tuscany

The problem with Pisa, Tuscany is the Leaning Tower. Not that it’s anything but a spectacular sight, one of the wonders of the modern world and a necessary photo opportunity for every visitor’s digital camera. The problem is that people never see past it, and really look at this marvellous Tuscan city. The Leaning Tower of Pisa is but one facet of the splendid Campo dei Miracoli (the Field of Miracles) where the Duomo, Baptistery and Camposanto combine to form a spectacular quarter of mediaeval architecture. Climb the giddily steep walkway to within the cathedral dome and gaze out over the terracotta pantiled roofs of Florence. From there look to the mountains beyond. Now appreciate that you are in one of the most beautiful places on the planet. And real estate in Florence? Not cheap for certain, but surprisingly affordable compared to many UK and US cities.

Buying real estate in Lucca, Tuscany

One of the major Tuscan cities (a former city state along with Florence, Siena and Pisa) Lucca, Tuscany is more relaxed than its neighbours. Probably the most graceful Tuscan provincial capital, Lucca lies inside enormous medieval fortified walls. These once defended Lucca against her enemies, today they provide a delightful view of the surrounding countryside and an excellent view into the city itself. The walls are very popular with joggers and cyclists. The town’s narrow streets follow a pattern far older than the medieval fabric of Lucca, following the grid laid out by the Romans when they first developed the city in 180BC. Buy real estate in Lucca and you’ll be living in a city where the pedestrian comes before the car.

Buying real estate in Perugia, Umbria

Perugia, Umbria is a stylish and buzzing city and Umbria’s regional capital. It boasts universities, a Serie A soccer team, and lots of good restaurants, bars and sights. At the geographical centre of Umbria, the city is a good base for exploring a beautiful countryside of vineyards, olive groves, gently rolling hills and valleys. This hometown of the Umbria Jazz festival also puts you within easy reach of Tuscany, Marche and Lazio. Perugia has a fine Duomo, some good galleries and lovely mediaeval churches.

Buying real estate … cities of Sardinia

Buying real estate in Cagliari, Sardinia

Cagliari, on Sardinia’s south coast, is Mediterranean island’s biggest town and has been the capital since Roman times. With a working port, industry, and the narrow lanes of the old town, it’s a bustling, thriving and charming little city. See the two Pisan towers of the city walls, a reminder of the time when the island of Sardinia was battled over by the imperial powers of Pisa and Genoa tussled for control of the island. You’ll find Roman and Punic remains at Tharros and, amid one of the last truly untouched reaches of Sardinian coast, there is the mediaeval town of Bosa, complete with castle and cathedral.

Buying real estate … cities of southern-central Italy

Buying real estate in Rome, Lazio

Where do you start with Rome, Lazio. The Vatican museums housing the world’s greatest and most diverse collection of art and sculpture? St Peter’s Square with the Basilica di San Pietro? Classical Rome with its Forum, Colosseum and Pantheon? Perhaps you head first to the Piazza Navona, the most beautiful square in the capital, or the Capitoline Museums, home to some of Rome’s best ancient art and sculpture. Maybe you focus on the Renaissance buildings clustered around the historic centre between the Via del Corso and the River Tiber. Or the Spanish Steps, the Piazza del Spagna and the Trevi Fountain? The truth is that there are a hundred Romes. It is the city of motor scooters, a swift capuccino and la dolce vita as much as the town of Classical Antiquity. Buy real estate in Rome and you have the rest of your life to explore this most complex and exciting of Italian cities.

Buying real estate in L’Aquila, Abruzzo

So where to buy property in Abruzzo? The town of L’Aquila, as well as offering good access to the ski resorts and being on the doorstep of the Gran Sasso national park, has a fascinating history. German Emperor Frederick II created his new capital in 1242, choosing the foot of Gran Sasso itself, as the perfect stratedgic spot. He pulled the population of 99 local villages together to people his new capital. Each village had its own quarter in L’Aquila, each with its own square or piazza, each with its own church. Only two of the 99 churches remain today, although the townhall bell strikes 99 times each night.

Buying real estate … cities of southern Italy

Buying real estate in Naples, Campania

Naples, Campania is the capital of southern Italy (the Mezzogiorno) and is one of the most vibrant, chaotic and exciting cities on Earth. Real estate in Naples is not for everyone. Those buying a home in Naples might be advised to travel by public transport before taking to the wheel in this city (apparently) without traffic laws Travel from Milan to Naples and you feel you’re in another country. This is a city with a healthy disregard of Rome and especially of the North.

Buying real estate in Potenza, Basilicata

There are no major towns in the underdeveloped south Italy region of Basilicata, but its chief town is Potenza, 819m above sea level, and brutally battered by both earthquakes and fighting in World War II. But regeneration money is pouring into Potenza, and it’s a terrific base for exploring the collection of medieval towns to the north. Buy real estate in Potenza and you will be living in the highest regional capital in Italy. It’s also a surprisingly good transport hub, with three rail stations and good connections to Naples to the north, and Puglia to the south. Head into the countryside to explore Norman towns such as Acerenza, Melfi and Venosa.

Buying real estate in Bari, Puglia

Puglia (Apulia) is becoming increasingly popular with property buyers looking at the quaint ’trulli’ houses, some marvellous beaches and beautiful countryside. The Byzantine city of Bari, Puglia has a good airport and ferries to Greece, Croatia and Albania. Bari’s once pickpocket-plagued port now boasts chic restaurants and waterfront bars. Head to Brindisi and then Lecce, and their Baroque and Romanesque architecture. A detour inland, across to the Ionian port of Taranto, takes you through the heart of trulli country.

Buying real estate … cities of Sicily

Buying real estate in Palermo, Sicily

Palermo, Sicily has Baroque buildings and good museums. EU and Italian government money has reawakened Palermo, and it now looks very good for Italian real estate, with solid transport links, lovely countryside about, and a pretty coastline of little resorts and fine beaches. The A29 highway runs along the northern coastline, linking Palermo to Cefalu to the east, and Trapani on the west coast. Adventurous buyers are starting to snap up holiday homes on the Aeolian Islands, Vulcano, Lipari, Salina, Panarea and on Stromboli (with its active volcano).

Buying real estate in Siracusa, Sicily

Siracusa, Sicily (or Syracuse) has had a turbulent history. It was seized by the Sicanians from Spain in 1000BC, Elymians from Asia Minor, then Siculians (hence Sicily) from Italy. Phoenicians opened trading posts here in 800BC. The Greeks came around 700BC, and by 500BC Siracusa was the capital of Ancient Greece. During the Dark Ages, Sicily fell to Goths, Vandals, Romans, Normans, Arabs and the French. Garibaldi and his army of the Risorgimento were welcome invaders in 1860, and Sicily became part of unified Italy in 1861. Today, this town is being swiftly regenerated, and Sicily itself is a lovely, lush, rich and underexploited island. Real estate on Sicily looks an increasingly good bet.